Smart

While waiting for the Celtics schedule to resume after the NBA All-Star break this week, Tyrone is practicing one of Marcus Smart's favorite shots.

(Illustration Friday: January 29, 2016)

Wet

Happy new year, everyone!

I had meant to keep my blog going without interruption through the holidays, but I got caught in a Christmas shopping frenzy after Thanksgiving. Then, I caught a cold the week before Christmas, so I've been sleeping. I'm nearly feeling back to normal this week, so I picked up my markers yesterday after more than a month of ignoring them.

Last month, as usual, I had a great time visiting family in Ohio,  but Christmas was unnaturally warm and soggy. While home, I found that Tyrone's coat turned shades darker as he's grown into adolescence. Also, he has a great singing voice. I guess some cats don't mind so much about getting wet.

(Illustration Friday: December 4, 2015) 

Work

Every day, Tyrone does important work.

(Illustration Friday: August 28, 2015)

Melt

Can you believe that Tyrone hadn't yet seen The Wizard of Oz? While he's been fine in rain, snow, and the sewer, he's adding this movie as evidence for his theories on why most cats think getting wet is the worst.

(Illustration Friday: May 22, 2015)

Pet[s]

Check out this Connolly Family Portrait 2015: Mini, Ashes, Lily, and Tyrone with honorary Golden Retriever Kitty, Polly.

(Illustration Friday: May 15, 2015)

Polly is a rescue that my sister took in this year. She tried to find another home for her, but it turns out she was already home. She fits right in with Ashes and Mini. In fact, I think she may secretly be a  big cat in disguise, but I'm sure my sister would disagree.  

Wish

During those long nights in the sewer, Tyrone wished for a better home for himself and his family. I can tell you now because it came true.

(Illustration Friday: September 26, 2014)

Golden

Hi everyone,

I just finished this one recently... Tyrone made his way to the top, of course. He's a climber.

(Illustration Friday: July 25, 2014)

This illustration was partly inspired by another piece of golden artwork that I have on my living room wall, which is made completely of fabric by local artist Jamie Langhoff. 

Check out her website, Seeing in Fabric, to see more of her amazing work. 

Best, 

Contraption

An enthusiastic helper, Tyrone adds some flair to Simon's latest contraption. While their project in the garage remains a mystery, this collaboration is bound for glory.

(Illustration Friday: June 6, 2014)

Vanity

Even when on the most important of missions, all kitties remember to take time out to look good.

(Illustration Friday: April 25, 2014)

Survival

We were all shocked to learn that, before Tyrone came to us, he and his siblings were found in the sewer. Luckily, they were resourceful until they found better homes.

(Illustration Friday: April 5, 2014)

Shadow

On sunny days, Tyrone spends most of his time in the garage chasing his own shadow. I'm not sure who's winning here.

(Illustration Friday: November 22, 2013)

Pattern

Tyrone's fur pattern is unlike any other we have seen. It's up for debate what it all means. So far, researchers have traced it back to his African and Native American ancestors. Their findings could take a drastic turn at any moment, however, since the subject is not offering any clues. Tyrone is too busy climbing trees to bother explaining himself.

(Illustration Friday: December 6, 2013)

Energy

As shown in this photo op, it's a bit difficult to catch Tyrone sitting still.

(Illustration Friday: November 8, 2013)

Tyrone

Hi everyone,

Meet our newest Melissa's Kitties' member, Tyrone!

He is about 2 months old and used to live in a sewer drain pipe. A good samaritan who works at the post office in Alliance, Ohio, discovered and rescued him and his two siblings and found each of them safer homes. Tyrone moved into my parents' garage on September 17.



So far, he enjoys playing and playing and playing and playing and playing and sleeping and eating and playing. He spends most of his days exploring his new surroundings. When he venture outdoors, he fearlessly races through the yard and climbs trees. In an effort to harness his attack-and-conquer approach to flowers, Mom is teaching him how to garden properly. In the evenings, he helps Dad with his woodworking projects. When Tyrone's ready to crash, he'll find and climb into whoever's lap is closest.

When we first met earlier this month, I introduced Tyrone to all sorts of music and movies and left him some good books to read once he learns how. He should be up to speed with the other Kitties any time now. A quick learner, he has already identified Art Carney, Richard Pryor, Jackie Robinson, Dave Grohl, Mandy Patinkin, and Mohammad Ali among his heroes. (We'll get to the ladies eventually, but right now he thinks girls are gross.)

When asked recently how he likes his new digs, he responded, "It's better than the sewer." That's the truth!